First US Palestinian Museum Opens in Connecticut

The US Palestine Museum has opened in Woodbridge, Connecticut, as the first museum in the United States dedicated to Palestinian art. Financed entirely by Palestinian-American businessman Faisal Saleh with $500,000, the 350-square-meter space will display his private collection of 70 artworks, 100 photographs, and traditional embroidery, costumes, and objects. The museum opens only on Sundays for four hours. Saleh aims to change US attitudes toward Palestinians by showcasing Palestinian culture beyond the conflict, stating that many artists are ignored by international media. The opening follows the Palestinian Museum in Bir Zeit, which opened after 20 years of development, and the A.M. Qattan Foundation's work. The museum is located near Yale University.